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| In the early 1960’s
Van was hired as songwriter for Florence Greenberg’s Scepter
Records. He later became a staff writer for Columbia Record’s
publishing arm, April Blackwood Music. Van worked with A&R man
David Kapralik to bring new talent to Columbia’s “Date”
label, and formed the renowned duo, “Peaches & Herb.”
Van moved to Englewood, NJ and next door to Kendra Spotswood, an
aspiring singer. He recorded her as Kenny Woods and she and his
brother, Norman, became his background singers. They turned out
several singles with made up names such as Jack & Jill, Fantastic
Vantastics, Ray Raymond, Tony Talent & Sandi Sheldon. Van and
Kendra were engaged but his budding recording venture wrecked their
wedding plans. A shake up at Columbia later ousted music personnel,
including Van McCoy and his mentor, the famed Mitch Miller.
During the 60’s decade, Van was a prolific song and ballad
writer. He developed his unique orchestration and production style
using strings, horns and all of the orchestral instruments. His
staccato beat, scatting strings and full instrument blasts, became
the McCoy signature that characterizes his works.
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